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Looking for a top quality dual purpose optic for my AR. It seems the SpecterDR 1x-4x optic is getting rave reviews. I know it is a bit pricey at $2K. For $2K, would you guys select anything else for an assault rifle?

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Looking for a top quality dual purpose optic for my AR. It seems the SpecterDR 1x-4x optic is getting rave reviews. I know it is a bit pricey at $2K. For $2K, would you guys select anything else for an assault rifle?

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The Spectre DR is a nice sight in my experience but the downsides are the weight and ARMS mounts.  I never had a problem with the ARMS mounts, but I have heard of other people having issues with them loosening or not clamping tight enough.  

There was a recent thread from one of the members here who is a sniper in Afghanistan who said he loves his Spectre DR that is mounted on his M110.

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I haven't had problems with the ARMS mounts on my ELCANs or EOTechs, as long as you're not constantly removing and installing the optic, they shouldn't cause you problems.  Is it the best mounting solution?  Probably not, but it's the OEM and as of now, there's no retro-fit alternative, so you've gotta take what you can get.  

As for weight, the Schmidt and Bender Short Dot 1.1x4 (a comparable optic in roughly the same price range) is listed as weighing 20.1 ounces without a mount.  The ELCAN weighs 22.6 ounces, but includes the mount.  That leaves exactly 2.5 ounces for the mount before the S&B actually becomes just as heavy, if not heavier than the ELCAN.  Certainly an Aimpoint T1 is lighter, but it doesn't have comparable capabilities.  

Also, the pricetag for the ELCAN includes everything you need- just slap it on, and go, whereas most other variable power scopes require you to purchase a seperate mount (or buy a mount "package").  Also, in order for a tube type twist adjustment to be anywhere near as quick to switch between magnification settings, you'd still need to add a "cattail."  

~Augee

ETA:  The weights listed for both optics are from each company's respective spec sheets, not secondary sources- listed in grams, then converted to me by online calculator to ounces, as I figured that would be easier for most people to understand.  Just for full disclosure.

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Agreed.  Take a comparible optic such as an ACOG with mount and DR Optic mounted on top or the Short Dot like you mentioned with the mount, and the ounces really start to add up.  Heck even an Aimpoint with a magnifier and mount start getting heavy.  

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Actually a 4x32mm ACOG in LaRue mount with Dr Optics on top is noticeably lighter than a 1-4x in a mount or a DR1.
And a DR1 is going to be lighter than almost all 1-4xs in a QD mount.
You have to remember just a 30mm mount will add approx 8 ounces to the weight of the optic.

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Mine weighs in at 16.2 ounces. So for the same weight as a DR1 you can have an ACOG/red dot AND a light (Insights new AA model is 4 ounces) and still weigh less.
My DR1 weighs 23 ounces.

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So what is the hives answer? Is there a "good" optic that can do close to mid range?  What 1-1.5x to 6-8x magnification optics are out there?

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Anyone know if the SpecterDR can be purchased in FDE or is that mil only?

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The NONE FDE units have been update with a newer internals sometime.  We can get the FDE units for LE / MIL only.  We also offer Cerakote Finishing on any scope we sell.

Mike @ CST

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I don't get your question?  I think several options have been brought up that are all "good" optics.  What do you mean by "good?"  

Good glass is typically expensive.  Close to mid-range options already brought up are the ELCAN in question, S&B's Short Dot offerings, Nightforce and Leupold also have 1-1.x to 4x + varibale options that are well regarded.  

What do you define as "close to mid-range?"  4x is plenty sufficient for a "close to mid-range" optic solution out to 600m at least as a combat sight against 10"-18" targets (human torsoes).  

600m is usually considered on the close end of "long range," so I would say anything that's a good 1-4x variable will more than sufficiently cover your close to mid-range needs.  Beyond that, it's personal preference in terms of optic style/type, adjustments, mount preference, budget, ect.  

If you want something with a little more magnification, ELCAN has a 1.5x6 model, GRSC's releasing a 1.1x6 (I think, someone double check me) while S&B has a model that goes up there somewhere.  If you've got the money, there's always the Leupold CQBSS 1.1x8.  I'd say it's a "good" option if you can pay for it.  

If you're wanting more affordable options, there's always things like the GRSC 1x4, DMS-1, Nikon M223, Burris TAC-30 - or for a mid-price range, things like the Trijicon TR-24 Accupoint.  

What're you asking?  Did you read the thread at all?  

~Augee

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Mike,



How about the new ARMS adjustable levers? Thanks.

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another option.........

IOR Pitbull

http://www.valdada.com/images/productimages/Scopes/Tactical%20Scopes/1-4x32Pitbull-web6.jpg

1x or 4x like the DR
This is a very neat scope and much less expensive but still not cheap......

I have both here right now.....

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I have read good things about the IOR Valdada 1.5 x 8 scope as well.  

http://www.valdada.com/product/a2655086-d6e1-4df9-ba34-42428d8b0c8b.aspx

A cheaper option would be the Burris XTR 1.5 x 6.

http://www.burrisoptics.com/xtrtactical1.html#10x

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FWIW – I have both the Elcan 1-4 and the IOR Valdada 1.5-8. The Elcan sits on my ACR, and the 1.5-8 is on a 16” AR. I love both, they are amazing optics, but serve different roles and each have strengths and weaknesses. The durability, illumination options/power, huge objective, and lightning speed from 1-4x make the elcan rock. However, as someone else brought up earlier in this thread, one of its only weak points is still having to keep your eye centered when shooting in awkward shooting positions or with your non-dominant eye. And it’s not really a precision rifle optic either, but it’s not intended to be. All that said, I don’t regret the money I dropped on it at all.

The IOR Valdada 1.5-8 is also an amazing piece of glass in my opinion. The glass is amazing, the reticle is awesome, if you have the quick-adjust turrets (I do) you can either use the BDC markings on the reticle or actually click-adjust for windage and elevation for greater precision. Even at both 1.5 and 8 power there is very little distortion at either end of the spectrum, and good FOV at 8 power. A few things I don’t like about it – zeroing it was a pain in the ass and a half. It was the first scope I’ve zeroed with adjustable turrets, and there was some n00b going on, but the "manual” didn’t really help and actually had one of the adjustments backwards. When I spend $1600+ on an optic, I expect the manual to be technically correct, and a little more than 4 sheets of printer paper. Literally that’s what the "manual” that came with mine was. The illumination on the reticle has 11 different settings, which I feel is somewhat unneccesary, and even on the brightest it gets washed out in full sunlight, unlike the Elcan. Haven’t had the opportunity to test it’s accuracy even past 100m, but when I get back from trashcanistan in about 5 months I hope to do a full review on it.

In addressing the OP’s question, it’s obvious my vote for an alternative to the Elcan is the IOR Valdada, although it’s still more of an apples to oranges comparison.